Air Fryer Fried Chicken Recipe

Dreaming of golden, crispy fried chicken that tastes like your favorite bucket from the drive-thru—but with a fraction of the calories and none of the greasy mess? Meet your new obsession: Air Fryer Fried Chicken! This recipe delivers everything you love about classic fried chicken, made lighter and easier thanks to the air fryer. Crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy inside—and unbelievably fast to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This homemade Air Fryer Fried Chicken recipe is a master class in using simple, pantry-staple ingredients for maximum impact. Each ingredient has a purpose—whether that’s flavor, juiciness, or achieving that legendary crispy coating all great fried chicken needs.

• Chicken (2 lbs, bone-in thighs and drumsticks, skin-on): Opting for a mix of dark meat makes every piece juicy and flavorful, while the skin crisps up perfectly in the air fryer.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): The acidity in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, infusing moisture and subtle tang—classic for Southern fried chicken.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Both are essential in both the marinade and breading for well-seasoned chicken all the way through.
• Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: These add savory warmth and a gentle smokiness, echoing KFC’s signature spice blend.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The backbone of a sturdy, crisp crust—don’t skip it!
• Cornstarch (½ cup): Just a little cornstarch in the breading helps the crust puff and stay ultra-crispy.
• Onion Powder: Part of that secret spice mixture, it adds depth and complexity to your breading.
• Cooking Spray (for air fryer): Spraying ensures a golden crust without excess oil—get every nook and cranny!

Variations

The beauty of Air Fryer Fried Chicken is just how easy it is to adapt! Whether you need to work around allergies, spice things up, or just use what you have, consider these tweaks and creative spins:

• Spicy Nashville Twist: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes to the breading for a bold kick that would make hot chicken fans swoon.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and use potato starch instead of cornstarch—crispy magic, no gluten required!
• Boneless Chicken Tenders: Use boneless chicken breasts cut into strips for kid-friendly, hand-held air fryer nuggets.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can quickly mix 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’re all set!

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a big mixing bowl. This soak is the secret to juicy, flavor-packed Air Fryer Fried Chicken—and since the air fryer cooks quickly, even a 10-minute rest makes a noticeable difference. Give everything a good toss so the marinade coats each piece, then set it aside while you prep your breading.

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Breading

Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a large, shallow dish. This mix is your golden ticket to that signature crispy crust, and the cornstarch gives it a shatteringly light crunch. Make sure your spices are well distributed so every bite is irresistible.

Step 3: Dredge Each Piece

Using tongs, lift a piece of chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Dip each piece into your breading mix, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks on all sides—don’t be shy! Extra nooks mean extra crunch later.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Generously spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer—no overlapping! Give the tops a hearty spritz as well; this ensures a beautiful golden finish. Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes, then flip, spray again, and air fry for another 5 minutes, or until each piece hits 165°F inside and the crust is gloriously crisp and deep golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Repeat

Remove the chicken and let it rest briefly (the hardest part—trust me!) while you cook any remaining pieces in batches. Air Fryer Fried Chicken is best served hot, right from the basket, for maximum crunch, but it stays tasty even at room temp for a picnic or potluck.

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Garnishes

Give each piece a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or freshly chopped parsley as soon as it comes out of the air fryer for a little pop of color and flavor. A wedge of lemon or a dash of hot sauce on the side never hurts either—both bring out the richness of the chicken beautifully!

Side Dishes

This classic is begging to be paired with all the Southern comfort staples—think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, tangy coleslaw, or a big bowl of macaroni and cheese. For something lighter, a crisp mixed salad or roasted veggies make an excellent counterpart to the indulgent crunch of Air Fryer Fried Chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your fried chicken atop a big cutting board for a rustic, family-style spread or pile it onto a wire rack with pickles and dipping sauces for party-style snacking. You can also slice leftovers into sandwiches, wraps, or even atop crisp waffles drizzled with hot honey for an unforgettable brunch twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken can be tucked into an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to five days. Keep the skin as crisp as possible by avoiding stacking the pieces or wrapping them tightly in plastic.

Freezing

Got extras? Let them cool completely, then pack in zip-top freezer bags (pressing out as much air as possible) and freeze for up to six months. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute picnic planning!

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your fried chicken straight from the fridge (or freezer) in a preheated air fryer or oven at 350°F for several minutes, until piping hot and crisp. Microwaving might be quick, but it softens the glorious crust—trust me, the wait is worth it!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t wait for you to taste this Air Fryer Fried Chicken—crisp, full of Southern spirit, yet so easy and wholesome. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or just craving a comfort-food treat, this recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Roll up your sleeves and make a batch—you’re going to love every bite!

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